University of Southern Indiana now offering lifelong learning certifications to enhance professional skills

Administrators at University of Southern Indiana announced recently that it is offering online certification programs in multiple fields and disciplines. Most of the programs are focused on building technical skills and business acumen. The certifications require completion of either three or four noncredit courses with a passing grade and there are no admission requirements. The costs are $115 per course and are self-paced. There are over 500 courses available through the programs ranging from finance to writing to computer applications.

In a recent release from USI, Dawn Stoneking, Interim Associate Provost for Outreach and Engagement and Director of Lifelong Learning explains the importance of continuing education and certification programs in one's professional advancement, "Career advancement can stall without fine-tuning and developing new skills. These online certificates allow students the flexibility to strengthen and build skills needed to excel in today's workplace." Many of the certifications offered can enhance the skill set of almost any professional, with courses in management and workplace communication. Other certifications may allow students to pivot their career path without having to commit to an entire degree program. For instance, the Digital Marketing Certificate program teaches the skills needed to begin a career in marketing or equip them with the tools to start their own businesses.

Depending on the program chosen, participants are required to complete either 72 or 96 course hours and receive at least a 70 percent grade. Upon completion of one of these programs, students will receive a paper certificate mailed to their home detailing the courses completed.